What is a MRI scan like?

We've put together a small presentation to help explain what an MRI scan
is like from the perspective of our participants. This may be helpful for
both parents and future participants. Click here for the booklet

Checklist for Day of Scan

Please use this checklist as a checklist
for all the things to consider on the day of your child's scan.

Need more information about the MRI?

We have more information about the MRI on this page .
You can find information about what the scanner looks like, what your child will do
during the scan, as well as practical considerations as well. If you have any questions, please
feel free to email us .

What does the MRI scanner sound like?

While the MRI is taking pictures, the scanner makes strange noises.
We've made a recording of different types of noises our participants may
hear during a scan. We hope this recording is useful in preparing
children to have the best scanning experience possible.
Click here to listen to the MRI Scanner

Tips/Suggestions for use:

To introduce the MRI to your child, first go to link/PDF of the
presentation found on this page. Read this aloud to your child.

Then, to mimic the real scan environment, it would be ideal to play these
sounds for your child using headphones, preferably while lying alone on
a bed, sofa, or floor. The child may watch a video/cartoon (with sound muted)
while listening to the recording. Have your child practice lying very
still/quiet (especially head) for 15 minutes (or as long as possible)
while listening to the sounds. Restart sounds as needed throughout the block
of time. Then, each time you practice increase the time 5 minutes
to work gradually up to holding still and listening to sounds for 30 minutes.

It may also help your child if you make a game out of trying to “name” the sounds using familiar objects/machines (e.g. that noise sounds like a washing machine, that one sound like the fire alarm at school, etc.) – ask, “what do you think that sounds like?”

In our experience, playing the sounds in this way, a couple times a day,
for a couple days in a row before your scheduled visit, may greatly reduce anxiety during the real scan.